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Old 01-16-2007, 08:39 AM   #1
Race Prepared
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Default Afr 195 Vs Gm Fast Burn Heads

Looking at two versions of a 383 engine with main difference being the heads. The GM ZZ 383 rated at 425hp/460tq with fast burn heads vs the Golen 383 rated at 460 hp/503tq with AFR 195 heads.

Would appreciate comments regarding the specific opinions regarding the performance of the heads - not the engines. The cam profiles of the engines result in the hp/tq differences. Want to determine the pros & cons of the head designs. Thanks!
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Old 01-16-2007, 10:57 AM   #2
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That's going to be a tough comparison as a lot of folks seem to look primarily at port volume and flow numbers, and while these have merit they are by no means the defining metrics.

I don't have any experience with the AFR heads, so I can't speak to them. After doing my research about 5 years ago I settled on the GM fast burn heads and I can share that with you. Like everyone else that builds engines I wanted to maximize power, but also maximize effeciency and maintain decent driveability. I chose the GM head mainly because of the high swirl combustion chamber and felt like it would allow me to run a higher compression ratio on pump gas. One of the magazines did a head comparo a few years ago and one of their metrics was swirl. Not only was the GM head better than the others, but by a wide margin.

I'm running the fast burn heads on a .060 over 350 that now has 22k miles on it. I started out with about a 10.4:1 static comression ratio and am now running 10.8:1 after swapping out the head gaskets for thinner ones. I'm running the inexpensive GM composition head gaskets. My DCR today is 8.92:1, and static cranking pressure is in the 225 to 230 psi range. This is pretty high for a street engine. I've got a big cooling system, which helps, and even in Texas hot summer weather I almost never hear any pinging. We have 93 octane has here at the pump. In 2004 I drove to Indianapolis and back, could only get 91 octane further north of Texas, and the engine ran fine.

It's also worth mentioning that I'm running a TPIS miniram and thus am not getting the same cylinder filling from mid-range velocity ramming as other intakes might provide, which cuts a little mid-range power. My rear wheel torque is good though. It peaks at about 348, and is 300+ from 2000 to 6000 rpm. I'm running 114 mph trap speeds and frequently shift at 6300rpm. I've run the engine to 7500rpm (once ) trying to trap in a lower gear but the speed and ET was down as the power peaks at about 6300. My point in that is the engine breathes well enough with the fast burn heads to turn 7500rpm. This is with a mild cam as well.

Take all that for what it's worth along with other info you get and factor into your decision. That's all real world experience, no speculation, guessing or bench racing. I think the AFR 195 head is a good choice as well. Let me know if there's anything else I can tell you.

Good luck!
Dan
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Old 01-16-2007, 04:38 PM   #3
KyleDallas
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The new Elimantor series AFR heads are rocket ships... probably the best
aftermarket head you can buy... if you live in Burleson... take a trip over
to Reher Morrison in Arlington... Reher Morrison was whipping Bob Glidden
and Warren Johnson back in the late 70's and early 80's in Pro Stock..
and do contract head work for Nextel Cup teams...
Pose this same question to them and see what they say... they are
the best Machine/Racing shop in Texas.... and they are in your backyard.

There's no reason you can't make well over 500hp with a 383 keep your options open.
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Old 01-16-2007, 10:34 PM   #4
Race Prepared
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Looks like I am going with the AFR 383 setup as described on the AFR web site. Any suggestions on where to get a quality/performance 383 short block?
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Old 01-16-2007, 11:11 PM   #5
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You're welcome for the info on the fast burn heads
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Old 01-17-2007, 09:59 AM   #6
Race Prepared
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Quote:
Originally Posted by danno85 View Post
You're welcome for the info on the fast burn heads
Mentioned the mini-ram, would you recommend this setup for a track use only car? The car is an 89 6 speed- would like to stay with some type of fuel injection system and not cut the hood which using a carb would require. Thank you in advance for your assistance!
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Old 01-20-2007, 11:19 AM   #7
Mike_B
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Race Prepared View Post
Any suggestions on where to get a quality/performance 383 short block?
You might want to talk to Max at Long Racing Engines in Irving. He's done some machine work and balancing for me over the years and his work is first rate. His shop is in the back of an auto parts store, so be sure to speak with Max, not one of the counter guys.

Also, Scott at StrokerMotor.com in Dallas (aka Dallas Export Sales) is one of the most meticulous engine builders I've ever run across. They specialize in 383s.
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Old 01-20-2007, 11:19 AM
 
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